With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the sixth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all of our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential. 

What We Offer:

Impact - The work you do here matters to millions.

Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?

Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.

Benefits - We care about your well being.

Agency Description

The Managing Director’s Office (MDO) manages and oversees the operations of the City, including the Rebuild Office, which is a staff exclusively working on the implementation of the Rebuild initiative.

Rebuild is an initiative of the MDO to improve physical conditions in selected parks, recreation centers and libraries.  Rebuild is expected to invest hundreds of millions of dollars over the course of the initiative. In addition to revitalizing neighborhood public spaces, Rebuild is focused using the projects it funds to empower and engage with community members and to promote economic opportunity for diverse businesses and individuals. Rebuild projects are carried out by a variety of partners, including consultants, nonprofit partners, and other City agencies. Rebuild works closely with the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR), the Free Library of Philadelphia (FLP) and other City departments.

Rebuild places a strong emphasis on community outreach and engagement. It is important that residents are given opportunities to shape the improvements to their community spaces. Rebuild wants to ensure that residents are informed about projects taking place in their neighborhood and have meaningful, accessible, and inclusive opportunities to inform how their community facility is improved.

To learn more about Rebuild, visit rebuild.phila.gov.

The Rebuild Workforce Development Manager will be responsible for the operation of two workforce development programs which are framed by memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with the building trades: PHL Pipeline and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority (PRA) Talent Development Pipeline (TDP).   This work is expected to include building on implementation plans that have already been developed, continuing services and administrative processes in place, managing the two programs, measuring performance, and refining the programs as necessary. 

The Workforce Development Manager is expected to report to the Rebuild Executive Director. 

This position is entirely grant-funded and exempt from City Civil Service requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Workforce Development Director’s primary responsibilities will include:

• Manage the PHL Pipeline and PRA Talent Development Pipeline programs, including:
  • Continue implementation plans, including schedules, budgets, and funding plan; marketing and recruiting plan; screening, assessment and selection processes; supports for program participants; identification of services to be provided by Philadelphia Works and third parties; and performance measurement plan.
  • Manage RFP processes as necessary to procure services to be provided by third parties.
  • Manage the work of contracted parties, manage their contracts, and monitor their performance.
  • Work with the building trades on curriculum and to achieve program participation goals based on apprenticeship program capacity and Rebuild labor needs and capacity.  Help coordinate the placement of apprentice-ready program participants in positions on Rebuild job sites or other appropriate work opportunities.
  • Establish partnerships organization named in MOU and other relevant agencies.
  • Coordinate with the building trades, Philadelphia Works, the School District of Philadelphia, City departments, and other entities as appropriate.
  • Design and implement a plan for maintaining training records, reporting, and measuring performance (e.g., program participation, union apprenticeship acceptance, job placement, job retention); work to continuously improve the programs.
• Analyze training needs to modify and improve existing programs.
• Evaluate sub-contractor/instructor performance and the effectiveness of training programs; identify recommendations for improvement.
• Provide training programs, using knowledge of the effectiveness of a variety of methods such as classroom training, demonstrations, on-the-job training, workshops, etc.
• Prepare budgets for programs and monitor expenses.
• Coordinate with other workforce development or pre-apprentice programs as appropriate.
• In partnership with other City departments and other entities, coordinate alternative education and/ or work opportunities for participants who do not successfully complete Rebuild programs.
• Coordinate with others to increase awareness of and interest in careers in the design and construction industries among minorities and women (e.g., middle school career days, school projects facilitated by architects and engineers, field trips to construction sites, etc.).
• Assist efforts to achieve and surpass the workforce participation goals for Rebuild established in the Rebuild Ordinance (Bill No. 170206), including coordination with Project Users and contractors as appropriate.

General duties:

• Coordinate closely with Rebuild’s deputy directors
• Assist with communications and coordination with funders and the philanthropic community, and support fundraising efforts.
• Coordinate with Council members, Council staff, and Council project manager in areas related to workforce development.
• Assist with communications and coordination with the Rebuild Oversight Board and the Rebuild EOP Oversight Committee.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

·         A Bachelor’s degree is required.

Experience:

• At least 6 to 8 years professional, relevant experience (e.g., workforce development, experience working with the building trades).
• Professional experience in Philadelphia is preferred.
• Professional experience working in government or for a non-profit organization is preferred.

Desirable Areas of Expertise:

• Factors contributing to high unemployment rates among minority and low-income Philadelphia residents.
• Building trades and construction industry in Philadelphia.
• Processes for monitoring compliance with workforce participation goals on construction projects.
• City of Philadelphia geography, operating departments, and labor environment.

Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to work effectively with the public, elected officials, city staff, non-profits, press, consultants and contractors.
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Effective at public speaking, writing, and presenting to varied audiences.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products.

Requirements:

• Commitment to Rebuild principles and goals.
• Availability to attend evening meetings and occasional weekend activities related to Rebuild.
• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of this position.
• Ability to travel to all Rebuild sites across Philadelphia.

·         Successful candidates must be a Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

·         Interested candidates must submit a resume and cover letter; three references will be required from applicants selected to move to the final round of screening.

·         Valid PA driver’s license.

COMPETENICIES

·         Commitment to Rebuild Values – personal commitment to equity and inclusion, two values that run throughout the programmatic design, structure, and implementation of Rebuild

·         Effective Communication – outstanding oral and written communications skills for various audiences; strong interpersonal skills; track record of building effective relationships with people from diverse backgrounds; comfort with occasional public speaking (e.g., info sessions), specifically in front of small and medium-sized groups

·         Adaptivity – able to manage change in challenging and complex projects, be resourceful and a self-starter with the flexibility both to work independently and as part of a team; able to work under limited supervision

·         Attention to Detail and Organization – strong organization skills; careful about details; thorough in completing tasks; able to meet deadlines; persistent in pursuit of goals; able to prioritize work and handle multiple priorities simultaneously

·         Critical Thinking – able to use sound and accurate judgement and think creatively to resolve complex problems; able to multi-task under tight deadlines

·         Flexibility – able to operate in an “all-hands-on-deck” environment; eager to contribute to the success of Rebuild, even when tasks may fall outside of core responsibilities

·         Collaborative – able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders (other departments, partners and sponsors, the public, civic and business officials); willingness to take direction and follow instructions

·         Digital Proficiency – able to use online applications and software

·         Industry Awareness – strong knowledge of, or interest in, the field of workforce development and/or the building trades

·         Availability – able and willing to travel locally for meetings, program trainings, and events; able and willing to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed

SALARY: $75,000 - $95,000 / year

Did you know?

●        We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer

●        25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities

●        We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents

●        Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan

●        Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

●        Generous retirement savings options are available

Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr @phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx